Under Secretary Josette Sheeran Shiner to Visit Pakistan

Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner’s visit is part of a trip that has included stops in Oslo, Paris, Rome, and London for meetings with leaders including Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. Prime Minister Stoltenberg and Prime Minister Aziz are co-chairs of the UN Panel, of which Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner is a member. Prime Minister Luisa Diago of Mozambique is the third co-chair.

Prime Minister Aziz is hosting the 15 Panel members in Islamabad to discuss how the UN can foster greater development and help countries transition from disaster relief to recovery, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth. Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner will view an earthquake relief site Monday afternoon before panel deliberations.

"Prime Minister Aziz has demonstrated strong, innovative leadership as co-chair of this critical panel," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "I look forward to listening and learning about the United Nations’ humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan, and the many ways to improve the system. We will also explore lessons learned in the critical aftermath of the earthquake in October 2005."

Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner will also advance the U.S.-Pakistan Economic Dialogue on promoting growth and development globally, regionally, and bilaterally through regional integration, job creation, and investment. She will hold a round table with local business students on the global economy and how Pakistanis can compete on the world stage.

"I’m really impressed with the good work that Pakistan has already done in becoming a serious economic player in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace. Every time I return here I see new buildings and more people working," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "In fact, the World Bank in their Doing Business 2006 Report ranked Pakistan as one of the top ten reforming economies in the world, where a business can be started in just 24 days – the same amount of time it takes in Germany.